Table of contentsTypes of plansStrategic planningOperational planningOrganizational goals without planning are meaningless. Planning is essential for organizations to achieve their short- and long-term goals. A goal is created to define an organization's vision (CSU-Global, nd). In the article Strategic Management: Formulation and Implementation, Barnat (nd) describes a plan as “a written document that specifies the lines of action that the organization will follow” (para. 1). There are different types of uses by planning organizations, such as strategic and operational. Barnat argues that planning includes four main dimensions, including repeatability, time, scope, and level (n.d., Barnat). The difference between these plans is based on the four dimensions. The organization's goals are also included in the planning process. Strategic and operational planning is necessary to achieve organizational goals because it keeps the organization focused on the vision and provides direction to staff. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get an Original Essay Types of Plans Organizations use several planning methods to achieve their goals. Two common planning methods are strategic planning and operational planning. Strategic and operational planning helps the organization achieve its short- and long-term goals. These plans differ in many ways, but pursue a similar goal. Strategic planning is based on an overview while operational planning is based on the details of the objectives. Strategic and operational plans work together to achieve organizational goals. Strategic PlanningOrganizations use strategic planning to achieve long-term goals. These types of plans can take three to five years to implement (CSU-Global, nd). Teams across the organization work together to strategically plan for the future. Strategic planning does not happen by itself or overnight. In the journal article “Strategic Planning for Rapid, Profitable Growth,” Lorange (1996) states, “Strategic planning does not happen by itself” (p. 47). What Lorange means is that strategic planning takes a lot of time, effort and collaboration. Strategic planning provides a vision for the organization. In the article Strategic Management: Formulation and Implementation, Barnat (nd) states that strategic planning “provides direction for an organization's mission, objectives, and strategies” (para. 9). Strategic planning focuses on the overall vision of the organization's purpose. Strategic planning also includes decisions that can impact the direction of the business (Barnat, n.d.). It is therefore important to carefully evaluate the objective of the organization when planning. Overall, strategic planning is a long-term strategy that provides a vision for the organization. (CSU-Global, nd). Having a shared vision is essential to achieving an organization's goals. Strategic plans keep an organization's vision in mind when planning. Operational Planning Operational planning is also necessary to achieve the objectives of an organization. Unlike strategic planning, operational planning is based on.